When it comes to specialized care like MSE treatment, finding the right orthodontist makes all the difference. At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, patients from across the country travel to our Wilmington, NC, orthodontic office for one reason: expertise they can trust.
Dr. Ken Matsumoto is a nationally-recognized orthodontist and periodontist with deep experience using maxillary skeletal expanders (MSE). With a deep commitment to personalized care, advanced technology, and outstanding results, Dr. Matsumoto has earned a reputation for helping patients breathe better, smile brighter, and live more comfortably.
Let’s explore what makes MSE so effective—and why patients choose to travel to Dr. Matsumoto and our team for treatment.
What is a Maxillary Skeletal Expander?
A maxillary skeletal expander (MSE) is an advanced orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw (maxilla). It’s typically recommended for patients with a narrow palate, crossbite, or breathing issues related to a restricted airway. The MSE device is activated using a special key, which gradually applies pressure to expand the jaw bone.
Unlike traditional expanders that attach to the teeth, the MSE appliance is anchored directly into the palate using four temporary mini-implants (also called micro screws). Because it’s secured to the bone rather than the teeth, this type of expansion is more stable, effective, and predictable — especially for preteens and adults whose jawbones have already matured.
Signs You May Need MSE Treatment
You may benefit from MSE orthodontics if you experience:
- Frequent mouth breathing or nasal congestion
- Snoring or trouble sleeping
- A narrow smile or crossbite
- Facial asymmetry or jaw discomfort
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Past orthodontic treatment that didn’t hold up
- A disproportionately narrow maxilla leading to dental issues and airway restrictions
MSE orthodontic treatment isn’t just about alignment — it can also improve airflow, balance your bite, and enhance overall facial harmony. It’s particularly beneficial for skeletally mature patients who have completed most or all of their dental development.
Benefits of MSE Orthodontics
Maxillary Skeletal Expanders (MSE) can make a significant difference in your health, comfort, and overall quality of life. Because MSE appliances work by expanding the upper jaw at the skeletal level—not just moving the teeth—they provide a more comprehensive, stable, and long-lasting solution for patients who require true skeletal correction.
Improved Breathing and Airway Function
Chronic mouth breathing, snoring, and even sleep apnea are often linked to a narrow upper jaw that restricts airflow through the nasal passages. By expanding the palate and creating more space in the nasal airway, MSE treatment can significantly improve breathing—especially at night when restful sleep matters most.
Better Bite Alignment
An imbalanced bite can lead to jaw discomfort, uneven tooth wear, and difficulty chewing. MSE helps correct crossbites and promotes proper alignment between the upper and lower jaws—laying the foundation for a healthier bite and a more efficient orthodontic journey.
Support for Facial Symmetry
In cases where a narrow palate contributes to facial asymmetry, MSE treatment can help restore facial balance. This can subtly enhance your profile and facial proportions while also improving function.
Stable, Predictable Results
Because the MSE is anchored into the bone, it allows for controlled, predictable expansion. The results are often more stable than traditional dental expanders, reducing the risk of relapse down the line.
Non-Surgical Alternative
For many patients, MSE offers an effective alternative to jaw surgery. In cases that previously required surgical intervention, MSE can often achieve the necessary skeletal changes—without the need for invasive procedures.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Matsumoto for MSE
Dr. Matsumoto is one of the most experienced MSE orthodontists in the country. This treatment is highly specialized, and most orthodontists don’t go through the training and earn the qualifications necessary to provide MSE treatment.
As a board-certified and dual-trained orthodontist and periodontist, Dr. Matsumoto brings a rare skill set to our patients’ treatment plans — treating the whole smile, including the skeletal structure and airway.
Educational Background
He was accepted in the only dual degree Orthodontic and Periodontics program in the USA at the University of Pennsylvania. From there, he continued on at UPenn as full-time faculty, teaching the orthodontic and periodontic residents in the clinic and the classroom, publishing articles in journals and chapters in textbooks along the way.
Today, Dr. Matsumoto still serves as a dedicated volunteer educator, training future dental specialists through both didactic and clinical instruction! Needless to say, people from across the country seek him out to benefit from his expertise and thorough/holistic approach to care.
What to Expect With MSE Treatment
We understand that the decision to begin orthodontic treatment is a big one, whether you’re traveling from another state or you living right here in Wilmington, NC. We’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Successful treatment with MSE often involves achieving both dental alignment and improved airway function.
Step 1: Consultation
We offer complimentary consultations for most cases. (A small fee may apply for complex surgical consultations.) On your first visit, we’ll take digital scans, including a CBCT scan to evaluate your airway and jaw function, and determine if MSE dental expansion is the right solution.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
Once we determine that MSE is the right fit for you, Dr. Matsumoto will design a fully personalized plan based on your anatomy, airway evaluation, and treatment goals.
We’ll explain how the MSE appliance works, how often you’ll activate it, and how long you’ll wear it during the active expansion phase.
For our out-of-town patients, we’re happy to coordinate remote check-ins to support your progress between in-person visits.
Step 3: MSE Appliance Placement
The MSE appliance is placed in the roof of your mouth and anchored using four small mini-implants (TADs) that go directly into the bone. To keep you comfortable during the procedure, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the area. Most patients tolerate it very well, and the placement is done right here in our office.
Once the appliance is in place, you’ll begin activating it at home by turning a small key once or twice a day. This gentle, steady pressure gradually widens the upper jaw to improve alignment and airway function.
The active expansion phase typically lasts a few weeks to a few months, depending on your anatomy and treatment plan.
How Much Does MSE Cost?
The cost of maxillary skeletal expansion varies based on the complexity of your case and whether other treatments (like braces or Invisalign) or other appliances are included.
But you’ll never be left guessing with us. Our team will walk you through every detail of your treatment costs and financing options:
- Flexible in-house financing
- LendingPoint financing
- We accept insurance, and we’ll file your claims to help you receive the max benefit from your plan.
MSE vs. MARPE: What’s the Difference?
You might’ve heard of MARPE, which stands for Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. It’s similar to MSE—but MARPE is the latest and most advanced version.
While both appliances use mini-implants to expand the upper jaw, MARPE goes deeper, anchoring directly into the bone and requires more implants than MSE. MARPE is fully customized and the most advanced expander, most likely for skeletally matured patients.
Think of MARPE as the upgraded model—it’s designed to create more significant changes in jaw structure, which can help improve your bite and airway function without surgery.
Breathe Easier and Smile Brighter
At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, MSE treatment isn’t just about straightening teeth; it’s about experiencing better breathing, balanced facial structure, and long-term comfort.
Whether you’re local to Wilmington or traveling in from across the country, you’ll receive expert-level care backed by advanced technology and a personalized approach.
If you’re ready to explore whether MSE is right for you, we’re here to guide you toward the right decision. Start by booking your consultation at our orthodontic office in Porters Neck, Wilmington, NC.
